Donald Keith Nelson Age 95, of Rice Lake, WI, died Sunday, March 27, 2022 in Rice Lake with his loving wife of 68 years by his side.

He was born on November 2, 1926 in South Milwaukee, WI to Olaf and Nellie (Marsh) Nelson.

Don attended schools in South Milwaukee and Spooner. He entered the United States Army and served during WWII as a paratrooper in the 11th Airborne Division and was Honorably Discharged. Don was married to Rita Penzkover on May 16, 1953 in Dobie, WI. He worked in the Milwaukee area and later Minneapolis area as a sales representative and retired to Rice Lake in 1988 on Red Cedar Lake. Don also worked part time at Moberg Electric and County Market until fully retiring in 2001. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed outdoor activities. Don was a member of the 3rd and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus and the Rice Lake American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Rita Nelson; 6 children, Greg (Kim) Nelson, Jim (Barb) Nelson, Patty Darke, Mary (Dennis) O’Brien, Tom (Monica) Nelson and Paul (Analyn) Nelson; 13 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Olaf and Nellie Nelson; 2 brothers, Virgil and Murray; a sister, Lois.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2PM Monday, April 4, 2022 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dobie, WI, Father Dave Oberts officiating, with interment in the church cemetery, where Full Military Rites will be accorded him by the Rice Lake Veteran Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held from Noon-2PM at the church.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake is serving the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to St. Joseph Catholic School in Rice Lake and Prolife Across America.

Last Update: Mar 29, 2022 4:12 pm CDT